Mary Jane Weeden

Mary Jane (Holt) Weeden, who went by Jane, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2024. Born and raised in Atlanta, GA, Jane was an avid reader and student, and after doing well as a high school student, received a scholarship to attend Oglethorpe University near Atlanta. Though she had a passion for history, Jane graduated with a degree in early childhood education.

Jane became the mother of five children, and once her children were old enough, she went to work part time as a nursery-school teacher at Asbury First UMC in Rochester, where she could use her training and gifts as an educator. Eventually, Jane accepted a full-time position as a preschool teacher at the Rochester YMCA, where she spent many years preparing the children for kindergarten and beyond.

Though she loved working with preschoolers, she was asked to fill a counselor position at Sojourner House for Women, which at the time was a shelter for women experiencing domestic violence. She accepted this new challenge, and as with the children she had taught, she left a positive mark on many women’s lives.

When Monica Place was opened as a low-income housing option for women in transition, Jane became the coordinator.  At Monica Place, Jane not only assisted the women living there but their children as well. She fostered programs such as “Study Buddy,” which recruited college student volunteers to help the kids at Monica Place with their schoolwork. After retiring, Jane spent her time volunteering, traveling, visiting family, gardening, reading, and enjoying movies, plays, and opera performances.           

Jane was always a champion of equality and inclusion, and she devoted herself to many causes. For example, she worked for women’s rights, the end to nuclear arms proliferation, and justice and equality for all. In her efforts she spread compassion and kindness wherever she went.

Jane will be dearly missed by all who knew her.  She is survived by her four sons and her daughter: Scott, Ted, Michael, Brian, and Anne; by their spouses: Sherry, Beth, Ellen, Beth, and Patrick; by her grandchildren: Aaron, Liz, Chris, Becca, Hannah, and Skylar; by her great-grandchild Charlotte Jane; by her steadfast friend and housemate Grace Carswell; and by extended family associated with her older sister Yvonne (previously deceased) and her younger brother Lee.

A memorial for Jane will be held on Aug. 24, 2024, at 2:00 pm, in the "Gallery" room of First Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Road South, Rochester, NY. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Jane's memory to the charity of your choice.

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